Mama Always Said

Intentional Living for Future Generations

The 1994 classic film Forrest Gump tells the story of a simple man with extraordinary insight. Throughout the movie, Forrest shares several profound truths, many of which begin with some variation of, “My mama said…”.

In fact, Forrest quotes his mama 10 times, including the most famous instance: “My mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates.’” The ways in which Forrest views and experiences the world are primarily based on what he’s learned from his mama.

For good or for bad, the same is true for all of us.

Who we are has been significantly shaped by those who raised us. Likewise, the perspectives of our children, grandchildren, and other loved ones will be filtered through what they’ve heard and observed from us.

Impress on Your Children

One of the great fathers of our faith, Moses, led God’s children through the Red Sea and across the desert, modeling extraordinary leadership along the way. However, toward the end of his life, his focus shifted from active involvement to preparing the Israelites for his absence. He knew they’d ultimately cross into the Promised Land without him.

Therefore, after delivering the 10 Commandments, he instructed them to, “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:33, NIV)

Furthermore, he emphasized the critical duty of passing those commandments down to future generations.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, NIV)

Thoughtful Intentionality

When future generations speak of your legacy, what do you hope they’ll say?

Don’t wait another moment to speak into their memories! Passing your values and beliefs requires thoughtful intentionality.

Meditate on them. Talk about them. Live them out. Ask God to guide your thoughts, conversations, and behaviors to make you more like Him – and to share Him with those you lead.

Because, as Forrest’s mama always said, “You have to do the best with what God gave you.”

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This content is written as part of Generosity Today (2025, Issue 3).